The Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating a series of eight intentionally set fires that occurred in Northridge in the early morning hours of June 10, 2010.


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The fires, which primarily consisted of rubbish or small vegetation, occurred between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

Four similar fires that occurred in the area during April, at first considered a random spree of arson, are now being investigated as work of the same arsonist.

LAFD Investigators are urging residents to be alert for suspicious activity, and to minimize the threat of arson by abating dry vegetation, trash and debris. Property owners are also encouraged to use outdoor lighting, lock vehicles and place rubbish within covered trash cans in well-secured areas to curtail the possibility of arson.

The investigation into these purposely set fires is being led by the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, working closely with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Community Police Station.

Anyone witnessing active fire, fire-setting or imminent danger to life and property is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Those with information about this arson spree or other suspicious fires, should call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section office directly at (213) 485-6095.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Public Help Sought in Battling Northridge Arson Fires

On Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 7:42 PM, 2 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 23 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Kawai, responded to rescue riders stranded on a Ferris wheel at 1521 North Highland Avenue in Hollywood.

Summoned by carnival operators who had established a short-term presence on the athletic field at Hollywood High School, Los Angeles Firefighters arrived to find ten persons stranded in the open air seats of a twin Ferris wheel that had suddenly become inoperative.

Immediately assuring the temporary amusement ride was stable and the riders informed and uninjured, firefighters conferred with technicians who had recently assembled and were operating the 85 foot high device.

Delicately using a Fire Department aerial ladder in a crane-like fashion, firefighters extracted riders one-at-a-time, gently lowering them with an accompanying LAFD rescuer to the top of an adjacent cargo trailer. The 100-foot capable ladder was then repositioned to repeat the operation.


The calm and orderly effort took more than two hours, and occurred without physical injury. The three adults and seven children declined medical treatment or transportation.

Temporary amusement rides in California are operated under the auspices of the State's Department of Industrial Relations.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Rescue Ten Stranded on Hollywood Ferris Wheel

On Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 11:34 AM, 41 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 12 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 6 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 Foam Tender, 2 Dozer Tenders, 2 Loaders, 2 Transports, 2 Emergency Lighting Units under the direction of
Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a Major Emergency Fire at 1903 N. Blinn Av. in Wilmington / Harbor City.

Firefighters arrived to find a huge black column of smoke rising straight in the air from a very large complex. Further assessment revealed an outside fire which had extended throughout a 25' by 100' pile of scrap metal. The Incident Commander quickly called for additional resources to the facility doing business as a Pick-Your-Part Auto Yard. Ladder pipes, wagon batteries, and portable monitors, capable of delivering copious amounts of water were placed in operation to attack the bulk of the flames.

Even with personnel on hand, water and equipment, the fire grew in intensity due to the increasingly difficult task of reaching the seat of the fire. The pile, being the size of a football field, spread fast as more resources were soon dispatched to the incident to continue the fight. Firefighters were leading a fierce attack on the flames, when two tanks housing gas and oil were reported to be in the path of the fire. Crews were able to prevent them from catching fire.

With a swift and well-coordinated transition, firefighters went into "defensive tactics" utilizing all available heavy stream appliances and master streams appliances at the scene. Class A foam was introduced to protect all sides of the incident, with even more resources added to the fight. Crews raced to surround the flames, as the water supply in the area was quickly reaching maximum levels.

After several hours, the difficult fire continued to burn, causing great concern for nearby residence that had to endure large amounts of smoke. Fire crews worked tirelessly but vigorously to achieve a knockdown, which wouldn't come till the following day. Additional bulldozers were requested to dismantled the pile and finally reach the seat of the fire.

Over 250 LAFD personnel (at the peak of the incident) extinguished the stubborn blaze in 32 hours & 10 minutes. 50 firefighters remained on scene throughout the night, into the third day to prevent rekindling and to ensure safety. A total of 425 firefighters were actively involved in this incident lasting nearly two full days.

Happily only 1 civilian & 1 firefighter suffered non-life threatening injuries on 6-05, both were treated and expected to fully recover. No structures were directly damaged as a result of the event. The cause of the blaze is listed as accidental and estimated dollar loss are still yet to be determined.

Submitted by Devin Gales,Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Battles Large Fire In Scrap Yard

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcome you to join them this Tuesday, June 8, 2010 for a very special evening at the Avalon Hollywood.

Plan to be alongside us for a star-studded evening that benefits both the LAFD Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the Los Angeles Police Department Memorial Foundation.

Our celebrity host Dan Aykroyd will set the stage for a fun and exciting evening that begins with a silent auction at 7:00 PM, followed by an 8:00 PM live performance by an All-Star 24-piece Jazz Orchestra fronted by none other than Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane.

The fun continues into the night.

The Avalon Hollywood is in the heart of Hollywood at 1735 North Vine Street, and you couldn't find a better time or reason to be there.

So spread the word by sharing this event flyer - and set aside just one night to help us honor our personal heroes: The spouses, orphans and loved ones of those who have paid the ultimate price.

For ticket information, please click here or visit:

avalonhollywood.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Dan Aykroyd & Seth MacFarlane Headline Hollywood Concert for L.A. Police & Fire Department Charities